Category: Players Abroad News

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Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week

Indy Eleven forward Augi Williams has been recognized as part of the USL Championship Team of the Week for the second consecutive week.

During the recent match against Louisville City FC, Williams displayed exceptional performance by scoring two goals, thus achieving a remarkable feat of five goals in consecutive matches.

This accomplishment makes him the first player in franchise history to achieve such a milestone. Additionally, Williams has entered the record books as the fifth player in USL Championship history to score double-digit goals in three consecutive regular seasons, with 10 goals in 2024.

One of Williams’ goals, scored in stoppage time of the first half, has earned him a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

His second goal of the match contributed to the team securing a 2-2 draw. This recognition marks Augi’s third Team of the Week honour this season, placing him on par with Aedan Stanley for the second-most honours on the Indy Eleven team, following Jack Blake who has received seven.

At 27 years of age, Williams has accumulated a total of 76 career goals in 220 regular-season league games, positioning him fifth on the USL Championship all-time list. Notably, among active players, Williams and teammate Sebastian Guenzatti rank second and third in career goals.

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31
Augustus Kargbo scores in Cesena Serie B victory over Mantova
by Football Sierra Leone

Augustus Kargbo scores in Cesena Serie B victory over Mantova

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo recorded his third of the season as Cesena defeated Mantova 4-2 in week seven of the Italian Serie B league at the Orogel Stadium.

But Inform Kargbo was later substituted after he suffered a minor injury in the 53rd minute.

The first half saw Cesena taking a strong lead with goals from Shpendi in the 5th minute, Augustus Kargbo in the 21st minute, and Giuseppe Prestia in the 43rd minute.

Mantova made a comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap with a goal from Redolfi in the 58th minute. However, CESENA secured their victory with a counterattack goal from Romagnoli and Tavsan in the 70th minute.

After the match, Cesena’s coach Michele Mignani commented, “The match went well, and we were good at scoring the first goal by stealing the ball from our opponents. In my opinion, we deserved to score more goals in the first half.”

Mignani also mentioned the opponent’s possession of the ball and their quality play, acknowledging that the match was challenging. He praised his team for executing their game plan and showing a strong desire to win, especially in the first half. However, he expressed concern about Mantova conceding too much in the latter part of the game.

Mantova is expected to face Brescia in the upcoming derby at the Martelli stadium next Sunday.

CESENA-MANTUA 4-2

CESENA (3-4-2-1):  Pisseri; Ciofi, Prestia, Mangraviti; Antonucci, Kargbo (54′ Tavsan); Shpendi (73′ Van Hooijdonk). Subs: Klinsmann, Chiarello, Ceesay, Celia, Berti, Piacentini, Pieraccini. Coach: Mignani.

MANTUA (4-2-3-1):  Festa; Trimboli, Burrai; Mensah (63′ Debenedetti). Subs: Sonzogni, Bani, Wieser, Artioli, Muroni, Cella, De Maio. Coach: Possanzini.

REFEREE:  Daniele Chiffi from Padua (assistants: Ceccon from Lovere and Trasciatti from Foligno; VAR officer: Nasca from Bari)

GOALS:  5′ Shpendi, 21′ Kargbo, 43′ Prestia, 58′ Redolfi, 70′ Tavsan, 84′ Ruocco

NOTE:  Yellow cards: Trimboli, Kargbo, Calò, Mangraviti. Corners: 4-7. Recovery time: 2′ + 6′

AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah
by Football Sierra Leone

AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah

Saidu Fofanah, one of the top midfielders in the Sierra Leone Premier League, has signed with AS Pikine – Ligue 1 (Senegal) for two seasons and has described his move as an exciting challenge.

He expressed his excitement about joining the Association Sportive de Pikine based in Pikine – their home venue is the Stade Alassane Djigo, with a capacity of 5,000.

Saidu, 27, made his international debut with the Sierra Leone national team in a 1–0 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification win over Benin on 15 June 2021.

He stated that his decision to move to Senegal was to try a new challenge in his football career and experience a different style of football in one of the best countries in West Africa and the continent.

He expressed his eagerness to compete in a new league outside Sierra Leone and help his new teammates, just as he did with FC Kallon.

“The season will start next month on 19th October, but there will be a four-team tournament starting on Friday. I’m looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch.”

Saidu was part of the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal's senior debut in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal’s senior debut in Carabao Cup win over Bolton

Ismael Kabia, a native of Sierra Leone, made his senior debut for Arsenal as they secured a 5-1 victory over League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup at Emirates Stadium.

As a result of this win, the London side advanced to the fourth round after a convincing performance against League One side Bolton.

Declan Rice opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Ethan Nwaneri on either side of half-time, making it 3-0. Although the visitors managed to score one goal, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz added to the scoreline, securing a strong victory for Mikel Arteta’s men.

In addition to the first starts for Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter and right-back Josh Nichols made their full debuts, with substitute appearances for Maldini Kacurri and Ismael Kabia.

Kabia expressed his excitement on his Instagram page, stating, “A dream come true to make my professional debut for Arsenal. Proud moment for me and my family and everyone that has helped me in my journey,” Kabia noted on his Instagram. 

The youngster, 18, signed his first professional contract in July and was impressive after he was subbed on in the 81st minute to make his senior debut.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara continued his goal-scoring streak as Los Angeles won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City.

After 120 gruelling minutes in front of a boisterous, sellout crowd of more than 22,000 fans, LAFC claimed its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup overcoming stubborn Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup champions took the lead when French legend Olivier Giroud tapped home a Mateusz Bogusz cross in the 53rd minute, but Kansas City equalized on the hour mark when Erik Thommy fired home to make it 1-1.

After 90 minutes of regulation, the teams were still tied, but extra time saw two goals for LAFC. Omar Campos scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute before Kei Kamara scored a vintage header past Tim Melia in the SKC goal to make it 3-1 in the 109th minute.

From there, LAFC defended well and secured the victory, claiming the fourth major trophy in the club’s history.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon
by FSL News

Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon

Sierra Leone International Rodney Michael scored his first goal for the Lebanese Pro side Safa SC in their 4-1 victory over Racing Beirut on Saturday.

It was an impressive start for the midfielder, who was awarded the Man of the Match on his debut after a goal and assist.

In the previous season, he played for PO Xylotymbou in Cyprus. On March 22, 2022, Michael moved from Tormenta to the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

He later left Indy Eleven after the 2022 season. In February 2023, Michael signed with FK Mornar of the Montenegrin First League.

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma was on target as Northampton secured a significant 3-1 away victory against Huddersfield, marking their first win since February.

The match saw Northampton benefit from an own goal by Huddersfield in the 18th minute, followed by a well-executed counter-attack resulting in a goal by Cameron McGeehan.

Despite a disallowed goal early in the second half, Northampton extended their lead with another goal from Tariqe Fosu.

Huddersfield showed resilience in the final 10 minutes, scoring a goal and earning a penalty that led to a second yellow card for Akin Odimayo.

However, Huddersfield’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Lee Burge saved the penalty, securing Northampton’s victory.

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah Salford's experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah on Salford’s experience

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah talked about his first month with the club via the club’s website and their upcoming match against Walsall in the league this weekend.

The 25-year-old has impressed since joining on loan from Derby County in August. The Sierra Leone international expressed how much he is enjoying his time at The Peninsula Stadium.

“I returned in the summer after training, taking care of myself physically and mentally, and feeling motivated to be the best version of myself, playing freely as I did as a kid.

“I’ve always been advised to play without worrying about taking risks, especially in my position as a midfielder. I grew up watching top midfielders who carried the ball and were exciting, and that’s what I like to do. Every time I play, I aim to run forward and think forward.

There might be times when I lose the ball, but I’m someone who will try things, and ultimately, I back myself because God gave me a talent, and I’m doing my best to consistently showcase it on the pitch.”

Salford goes into this weekend’s game against Walsall in good form, having been unbeaten in four league matches, including consecutive home victories against MK Dons and Cheltenham Town.

“It’s something I noticed when I first joined – the players, the recruitment, and how the club looks at the players they’re bringing in to complement the squad. It feels like it’s starting to come together.

“We have a long way to go, and there are plenty of games to play. But with the players we have in the squad along with those who were already here, I feel like it’s a good balance, and I’m enjoying it.

“I genuinely appreciate every single one of the boys; they’re good people, good human beings, and I believe that’s the most important thing – to be a good human, not just on the pitch, but someone you can rely on when you’re playing with them.

“Winning games boosts confidence for individuals and the team. We must stay cautious as Walsall is a strong team. If we focus on our performance and receive support from the fans at home, we can create a strong home advantage. I hope this positive trend continues.”

New Real Valladolid centre-back Bah headline Spanish News
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah has been making a strong impression at Real Valladolid since joining less than a month ago.

The young center-back, standing at 195 centimetres tall, Bah has proven to be a reliable defender, impressing the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut last weekend.

Scouts travelled to Africa to observe him live before he was signed, and his defensive prowess and composure on the ball were evident in his debut last weekend.

Real Valladolid fans are eager to see how Abdulai Juma Bah will contribute to Real Valladolid’s success this season, as he has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Read the full article on the Real Valladolid new acquisition